Guardians' Steven Kwan's postgame comments hint at wish for longterm extension

The Cleveland Guardians were rumored to be listening to offers from a plethora of teams at the trade deadline for their Gold Glove, All-Star outfielder, Steven Kwan. But, he wasn't dealt, and remained in Cleveland.

Kwan, in his first game back from the trade rumors, helped the Guardians win in walk-off fashion in extra innings. After the game, during an interview on the field shared by the Guardians, Kwan was asked about the atmosphere in Cleveland, and his comments hinted at his desire, which is great news for Guardians fans.

"It was super special, just the intros today, the cheering out in left field, down the line..." Kwan said.  "It was super special. I hear all of it. Super grateful. I don't know if I deserve all of it, but super grateful for all the love in this city, and I'm hoping we can stay here for a long time."

The love is mutual, Cleveland. 🫶#GuardsBall | #GuardiWWWins pic.twitter.com/WxNcj29ryj

Kwan's comment, saying he hopes to stay in Cleveland for a long time, is great news for a potential contract extension. He's set to be a free agent after the 2027 season, and the Guardians would do well to keep him on the team long term.

What makes this statement from Kwan even more special is the trade rumors he was involved in this past trade deadline. Kwan was connected to a lot of the top contenders, but no deal was agreed to, and he remained in Cleveland.

In his first game back from such rumors, he contributed to a walk-off win and expressed his desire to remain a Guardian in the future. For the front office, signing Kwan to a long-term deal should be a no-brainer.

MORE: Guardians to trade Cy Young starter Shane Bieber to Blue Jays

The two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner has been one of the best outfielders in baseball over the past few seasons. In 2025, he has a .287 batting average, 117 hits, and nine home runs.

His OPS has never dropped below .710 in his career, and this season, his .759 OPS and 110 OPS+ are 10 percent better than the league average hitter. While not the biggest power hitter, his bat-to-ball skills are some of the best in baseball.

Keeping him around long-term would be ideal for the Guardians, as finding a player who's as good as Kwan is in the outfield, with the hit tool he has, is hard to come by.

Step one of an extension is already complete based on these comments, as Kwan wants to remain in Cleveland for a long time. It's a very welcome comment for Guardians fans, especially after the trade rumors 24 hours prior.

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